Dublin doctor says volunteer work helps keep him young

The list of organizations Dr. J.S. Jindal is involved in is long. But the retired Dublin doctor doesn't mind; he says the work keeps him young.

His many contributions to the central Ohio community have also earned him one of five 2013 Jefferson Awards passed out to outstanding volunteers earlier this month.

An award wasn't something Jindal expected for his work.

"I was surprised when I came to know that over nine institutions nominated my name, not just one person or organization," he said of the honor.

Jindal has been a Dublin resident since 1999, but has been involved with the American Red Cross for decades even before he moved to the U.S. from India. He has been a board member of the local Red Cross since 2003.

His focus with the Red Cross lies in recruiting blood donors from under-represented minorities.

"Many people don't know that the blood of everyone is red ... but the contents of the blood is different," he said.

In 2002, Jindal helped start an effort to get more minorities to donate blood and the effort is still going strong.

"That is a very big need of our community," he said.

Jindal has also spent a lot of time bridging the gap in the interfaith communities with spots on the Columbus Mayor's Religious Advisory Council, Port Columbus Interfaith Services and the Interfaith Association of Central Ohio.

"In 1984 we founded the Interfaith Association of Central Ohio which is blending the difference in faith and blending culture," he said.

"I'm involved with ASHA that was established about eight years ago. It is against domestic violence.

"Because of the cultural difference, social workers have a difficulty understanding different cultures. That is why the organization was established. It helps South Asian families."

The Jefferson Award isn't Jindal's first time being recognized for his many contributions. In 2011, he received a Service Above Self Award from the Columbus Rotary.

His family has helped him accomplish many things, Jindal said.

"I always praise families and the families of volunteers," he said. "They are part of the volunteers.

"They are the unsung heroes. I'm very proud of my family. They have supported me from the first day and participated."

The Jefferson Awards, created in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Ohio Sen. Robert Taft Jr., are given to five people in central Ohio annual to recognize people who do amazing things in their community without expecting any reward.